Apparel

This one caught my eye probably because of the recent article I did for PM's June issue on trademark licensing in the collegiate wear market. There are so many rules and regulations to be had for this sector (and clearly, other big-time entities such as the NFL), it pays to be sure you're dotting all your i's, crossing all your t's, and in this case, not violating any pesky things known as antitrust laws. (Breitbart)

According to Jason Krakow, vice president of Caps Direct, Overland Park, Kan., the company has made a name for itself thanks to the whole host of special-effect printing in its repertoire. "We are having a lot of fun with liquid metals, laser-cut appliques, screen printing and sublimation," he said. These imprinting methods mimic retail styling more closely so there's an increased chance promotional headwear will be worn again and again. Krakow also pointed to unique trims and accents as ways to embellish the hat itself, including distressing and vintage washes.

Bella—Fleece Raglan Hoodie
When it comes to the heavyweights of fan apparel, it's not the foam finger or T-shirt that takes the title. It's the hoodie. Walk to your nearest athletic arena and count how many hooded sweatshirts you see. It's the official uniform of tailgaters and bleacher creatures across the country. True to form, Bella takes a standard and makes it fashion-friendly (from shapeless to stylish!) for the ladies. This version is preshrunk for that coveted side-skimming silhouette and is crafted from a comfy, single fleece knit for even the chilliest game days.
(877) 727-2001
www.bella.com

Bolingbrook, Illinois-based S&S Activewear, a national distributor of imprintable sportswear, and New York-based Anvil Knitwear Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer

To begin on a slightly more melancholy note this week, we've had quite a few losses lately, haven't we?

Boxercraft—Bitty Bundles

When I was in college, my friends and I practically lived in outfits like these. Everyone did—they were comfortable enough for pulling an all-nighter in the library and cute enough to look good while pulling an all-nighter in the library without trying too hard. Boxercraft wins again. They really have a handle on the collegiate/junior market. These items come in bundles of three: The one on the left includes a tank, madras boxers and a coordinating headband and the one on the right has a tank, flannel pants and a matching headband. Love them.
(800) 914-7774
www.boxercraft.com

Atlanta-based Boxercraft announced its founder, president and owner Jon Carroll, received the 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award for

Bolingbrook, Illinois-based S&S Activewear, a national distributor of imprintable sportswear, and New York-based Anvil Knitwear Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-quality activewear, announced the winners of the companies' GoGreen Giveaway.

Minneapolis-based River's End Trading Company announced Mike Jamieson has joined the company as the new regional sales representative for Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Jamieson is a veteran to the promotional products industry,

Newton, Iowa-based The Vernon Company announced employees raised $3,345 for the annual Jasper County Relay for Life, in support of the American Cancer Society. This donation amount surpasses the company’s 2008 Relay for Life fundraising campaign by 20 percent.